United States Steel Corp. is shuffling the top ranks, promoting Mario Longhi to the position of president while John P. Surma remains chairman and CEO. The changes are effective June 1.

The move announced Thursday morning gives a higher profile to Longhi, a relatively new hire who joined the Pittsburgh-based steelmaker in July 2012 as executive vice president and COO. While he's new to U.S. Steel, Longhi worked for Alcoa Inc. for more than two decades.

Longhi will remain COO. His new responsibilities will include being in charge of risk management and human resources. Senior vice president/chief risk officer Larry T. Brockway and Vice President of Human Resources Susan M. Suver will report to Longhi beginning June 1.

"They brought (Longhi) in last summer to fill a void in the management ranks, like the No. 2," said analyst Charles Bradford of New York-based Bradford Research. "There wasn't one. This just seems to cement that further."

Longhi has experience in the steel industry's arch competitor, aluminum, as well as experience leading mini mills. Bradford said what he lacks in longtime experience in integrated steel operations like U.S. Steel, Longhi makes up for with a "very good reputation" in managing.

Longhi was tapped by the U.S. Steel board of directors and Surma to head up its cost cutting and efficiency program, which is ongoing.

"It is a pat on the back by the board of directors," Bradford said. He called the cost-cutting program long overdue.

The promotion comes at a time when U.S. Steel is not seeing the economic recovery that other steelmakers have experienced.

"Since joining our company, Mario has integrated swiftly and smoothly into our operationally intensive, international metals business with a strong focus on safety, quality, customer service and continuous improvement," Surma said in a prepared statement. "Under his direct leadership, we are implementing initiatives designed to capture significant and sustainable cost benefits, efficiencies and quality improvements, while enhancing our market position, creating shareholder value and maintaining our commitment to our core values. The expansion of his responsibilities should enable an acceleration of our business performance improvement plans."

Longhi led Gerdau Ameristeel Corp. for six years before joining U.S. Steel but logged 23 years at Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA), rising from a construction superintendent at Alcoa's refinery in Longhi's native Brazil to become president of Alcoa Wheels International, Alcoa Forgings Division and Howmet Castings.

Surma and Longhi were not available for comment Thursday, U.S. Steel (NYSE: X) said.